Michael Tanenbaum
Michael Tanenbaum is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice.com, with interests ranging from technology and behavioral health to local community initiatives and cultural life. Michael has written for the Argentina Independent and Bespoke Magazine and previously served as a news editor for Xfinity.com before joining PhillyVoice. He received his B.A. in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.
June 6, 2022
Wildlife
Videos show 12-foot-long great white shark spotted off coast of Sea Isle City
A 12-foot-long great white shark was spotted off the coast of Sea Isle City and Townsend's Inlet at the New Jersey shore on June 4, 2022. Jim Piazza said he was fishing with his cousin, his son and one of his son's friends when they spotted the shark in the water. Piazza shared two videos of the shark on Facebook. Great white sharks annually migrate north during the summer and pass along the coast of New Jersey during that time.June 6, 2022
Food & Drink
PLCB to hold lotteries selling off bottles of Van Winkle bourbon, other rare whiskey
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will hold five lotteries for rare limited-release whiskeys, including bottles from the 2021 Van Winkle collection. Pennsylvania residents and licensees of legal drinking age will be able to enter one or more of the lotteries until 5 p.m. Friday, June 10. There will be 183 bottles up for auction.June 3, 2022
Investigations
Theft ring preyed on people with heroin addictions to steal power tools, Montco prosecutors say
The alleged leaders of a retail theft ring, operating in Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties, were caught with nearly $100,000 in stolen power tools, authorities said Friday. According to police, the two alleged ring leaders preyed upon people addicted to drugs, recruiting them to steal the tools and other items from The Home Depot, Lowe's and other department store and then selling the stolen goods online.Authorities have charged Joseph A. Payea, 67, and Penelope L. McClain, 49, both of Macungie, in Lehigh County. The investigation began in September when Lower Pottsgrove police recognized a pattern of thefts at home improvement stores.June 3, 2022
2022 Election
McCormick concedes to Oz in Pa. Republican primary for U.S. Senate
Mehmet Oz is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania and will face Democrat John Fetterman in the November election. Dave McCormick conceded the Republican primary race on Friday afternoon before the completion of a statewide recount that was set to conclude next week. Oz, the retired surgeon and TV celebrity, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, said McCormick called him Friday to congratulate him.June 3, 2022
Investigations
Missing Wildwood swimmer identified as 19-year-old Delco man
The swimmer who went missing in Wildwood, New Jersey on May 31 has been identified as Alfred Williams, 19, of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Williams was among four swimmers who wound up in distress in the water off the coast of the beach at East Andrews Avenue. One swimmer made it back to shore and two others were rescued, but Williams could not be found. Officials said the search is now considered a recovery operation as Williams is presumed to have drowned.June 3, 2022
Food & Drink
Five Iron Golf opens new Fishtown location with full-sized bar and kitchen
Five Iron Golf's new location at 27 East Allen Street in Fishtown is Philadelphia's second facility for the expanding golf simulation and training facility. The Fishtown location includes a full-sized bar and kitchen. Golfers can sign up for memberships, join competitive leagues, make one-time simulator reservations and book special events. The facility also includes private lessons and club fitting.June 2, 2022
Arts & Culture
Black Thought, legendary emcee of The Roots, gets honored with mural in Olde Kensington
Tariq 'Black Thought' Trotter, the emcee of Philadelphia hip-hop legends The Roots, was at The Clay Studio in Olde Kensington to mark the unveiling of a new mural by Roberto Lugo. The mural is at 1425 N. American St. Trotter, 48, grew up in South Philly and became involved with mural arts at a young age through the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network. He now serves on the board of Mural Arts Philadelphia, led by the long-time executive director Jane Golden. The annual Roots Picnic returns to the Mann Center in Fairmount Park on June 4-5.June 2, 2022
Investigations
Former Cowboys running back Marion Barber, 38, found dead at Texas apartment
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead at an apartment in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Barber was 38 years old. A cause of death remains under investigation. Barber spent eight seasons in the NFL, including six with the Cowboys, where he served as a power running back in the the mid- to late 2000's. Barber amassed 4,780 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns during his NFL career.June 2, 2022
Lawsuits
Security failures enabled fatal shooting at Jefferson Hospital, lawsuit claims
Nursing assistant Anrae James was fatally shot last October at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. His family has filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against the hospital, alleging that security failures allowed co-worker Stacey Hayes to enter the hospital heavily armed and target James based on a personal conflict between them. The family is seeking a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.June 1, 2022
Investigations
Missing swimmer in Wildwood presumed to have drowned
A swimmer who went missing in Wildwood on Tuesday afternoon is presumed to have drowned, the Wildwood Fire Department said Wednesday. The identity of the missing swimmer has not been released. Search crews are now involved in a recovery operation to locate the body of the swimmer. Three other swimmers who were in distress on Tuesday afternoon were rescued. There were no lifeguards on the beach.Just In
- Instant observations: With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, another late-game collapse sinks Sixers in Toronto
- N.J. becomes latest state to ban cellphones in classrooms as Murphy signs bill into law
- N.J. lawmakers fast-track bills limiting cooperation with ICE after Minneapolis shooting
- Open thread replay: 49ers 23, Eagles 19
- Data centers are straining N.J.'s power grid. A bill would make them pay for it.
- At Philly's new 'Disaster University,' first responders get immersive training for mass-casualty events
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